What you need to know to see this month's rare blue moon total lunar eclipse

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — For the first time in 150 years, you'll get the chance to see a blue moon lunar eclipse.

A blue moon is the second full moon that occurs within one month. SkyWatch 17 Chief Meteorologist Katy Morgan said blue moons happen every couple years, but it's rare to have a blue moon coincide with a lunar eclipse.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the earth's shadow blocks the sun's light, which reflects off the moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon will oftentimes be a reddish color.

How/When/Where to see the lunar eclipse

This event will happen overnight on Jan. 31. Folks in the western parts of the United States will have the best viewing ability. Since it happens overnight and you're looking at the moon, the lunar eclipse is completely safe to look at throughout the whole eclipse.

In middle Tennessee, the partial eclipse will begin at 5:48 a.m. The best time to see the lunar eclipse will be at 6:45 a.m., which is minutes before sunrise.

The lunar eclipse will reach totality just after 6:50 a.m., but it will be difficult to see because the moon will slip below the horizon with the sunrise. To have the best viewing possible, get to high ground and look to the West.

The next blue moon eclipse is December 31, 2028.

Check out the full explanation below: